Thailand Festivals and Events 2010

Organised by the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the event is to pay tribute to His Majesty the King and the Chakri Dynasty and to raise funds for the foundation's charity programmes for leprosy patients and children whose parents have been affected by HIV.

This second Bangkok Triathlon is a prestigious event that takes athletes through the best part of the city. The course is designed with great attention to detail, while the charm of the city and the smiles on the faces of the people will be most welcoming to all athletes.

The Bangkok Triathlon 2009 course is distinctive and full of challenges featuring historical, architectural and cultural sights. It is perfect for those athletes looking for a challenge for their competitive spirits. The course includes Swimming the River of Kings, Riding the Corridor of Marvels and Running the Streets of Smiles.

The swimming course starts with a 1,500-metre swim in the Chao Phraya River beneath the New Industrial Ring Road Bridge. The river has long been Thai people's lifeline. Its beauty, along with the various canals that cut through Bangkok in the past, has earned the capital the nickname the "Venice of the East".

The 40-kilometre biking course takes an equivalent of three rounds riding up and down the bridge, starting on the Rama III Road side, across the Chao Phraya River with a U-turn at Pu Chao Saming Prai.

The New Industrial Ring Road is one of the fruits of HM the King's farsighted visions for the development of Thailand as it lays the foundations for the nation's transport networks. Presently, the ring road area is an architectural wonder that also cuts across the Chao Phraya River.

The running course, which will take place under the bridge, is 5 kilometres in distance. Both competitors and observers will experience the famous Thai smile and friendliness - both inside and outside of the competition.

Offering both individual and team competitions, the Bangkok Triathlon 2009 has 3 categories - Triathlon and Duathlon on April 5 and Bangkok Chakri's Day Run on April 6.

Competitors in the triathlon will start with a 1,500-metre swim, followed by a 40-km ride and concluded with a 10-km run, while the duathlon starts and ends with a 5-km run with a 40-km ride in-between.

For the Bangkok Chakri's Day Run, the race has 2 distances to choose from - the 12-km Mini Marathon and the 6-km Songkran Splash Run.

Besides the race, there's also the Bangkok Health & Fitness Fair 2009 which will be running from April 4-6. Available for all athletes, sports enthusiasts, families and interested persons are health and lifestyle products such as fitness equipment, diet supplements and spa packages at special prices.

This is also a chance to discover the high standard of medical care that is fast making Bangkok a destination for medical tourists shopping for affordable dental care, elective surgery and cosmetic procedures.

Race entry fees are 1,500 baht per participant for triathlon and duathlon
500 baht per participant for Bangkok Chakri's Day Run.

Registration should be made by March 20.
For online registration and more information, visit http://www.bangkoktriathlon.org, or call 084-111-2680/1.